[Profile of a geriatric department in a general hospital]

Clinical data of the Geriatric Department of the Municipal Hospital in Arnhem are presented. The article starts with a short historical review and the working procedure. The original domestic situation, qualities and destination of the patients are presented. Most patients have many medical an psychiatric problems, so their situation is very complicated. The majority of their diseases has a chronic character, half of which have improved during their stay in the hospital. The importance of good adjustment of provisions for the elderly is stressed.